Football 2018 - 2019

[jeremyp]

Just no.

Catalonia is in Spain. Catalonian clubs are Spanish clubs. Some Catalonians might not like that, but it is a fact.

[Nearly Sane]

Catalonia is in Spain. Catalonian clubs are Spanish clubs. Some Catalonians might not like that, but it is a fact.

Whoosh

[jeremyp]

Whoosh

If you want to do the whoosh thing, it’s better if the joke is funny.

[Nearly Sane]

If you want to do the whoosh thing, it’s better if the joke is funny.

And whoosh again. Not all whooshes are jokes.

[Nearly Sane]

That Man U result makes you think the job is Solskjaer's

[jeremyp]

And whoosh again. Not all whooshes are jokes.

If it’s not a joke, I don’t really know what you are on about, so please enlighten me.

[Nearly Sane]

If it’s not a joke, I don’t really know what you are on about, so please enlighten me.

that maybe some think Catalonia isn't Spain. Your view of facts is based on an acceptance of axioms that others may disagree with.

[jeremyp]

that maybe some think Catalonia isn't Spain. Your view of facts is based on an acceptance of axioms that others may disagree with.

My view is based on geopolitical reality. Catalonia is in Spain. This is a fact. I accept that many Catalonians want Catalonia not to be in Spain, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t.

[Nearly Sane]

My view is based on geopolitical reality. Catalonia is in Spain. This is a fact. I accept that many Catalonians want Catalonia not to be in Spain, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t.

Again you accept an axiom that some don't.

[ad_orientem]

That Man U result makes you think the job is Solskjaer's

I'd be very surprised if he doesn't get the job. He's made an exxellent account of himself.

[ProfessorDavey]

I'd be very surprised if he doesn't get the job. He's made an exxellent account of himself.

I agree - I can't see what more he could have done in his first few weeks.

I have a sneaking suspicion though that he'll get the job and struggle next season once the 'new manager' effect has worn off. There is something that keeps reminding me of Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea.

[wigginhall]

Yes, probably a honeymoon effect going on, and sheer relief to be free of the Sulk, (Mourinho).   He's also had a lot of luck, that penalty at PSG for example.   But he is showing tactical nous, and fans are happy.

[jeremyp]

Again you accept an axiom that some don't.

You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.

[jeremyp]

I agree - I can't see what more he could have done in his first few weeks.

I have a sneaking suspicion though that he'll get the job and struggle next season once the 'new manager' effect has worn off. There is something that keeps reminding me of Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea.

I agree with this. I would also argue that the problems at Man U are fundamentally not problems of poor team management.

[jeremyp]

I agree - I can't see what more he could have done in his first few weeks.

I have a sneaking suspicion though that he'll get the job and struggle next season once the 'new manager' effect has worn off. There is something that keeps reminding me of Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea.

One lost match does not a slump in form make, but....

Time was, this fixture once would have been a top of the table clash, probably deciding the champions given the late stage of the season. Alas, both teams have fallen on slightly harder times.

[ad_orientem]

Due to poor officials we've been robbed of five points over two consecutive weekends. With all that dough you'd think the PL would have the best officials in the world. No wonder there wasn't any English officials at the World Cup last year. Fuming! Can't wait for VAR next season.

[jeremyp]

I agree - I can't see what more he could have done in his first few weeks.

I have a sneaking suspicion though that he'll get the job and struggle next season once the 'new manager' effect has worn off. There is something that keeps reminding me of Roberto Di Matteo at Chelsea.

It seems you were wrong*. The struggling has already started.

The problems at Man U are not the manager. The fact that Mourhino failed should have been a clue. Whether you like him or not, his record shows he is a good manager.

* in the most pedantic sense.

[jeremyp]

For the first time in history, the four finalists for the European club competitions will all be from one country. How cool is that?

It seems like only last year that people were bewailing English clubs’ inability to compete at the highest level. I guess that’s sport.

[ProfessorDavey]

For the first time in history, the four finalists for the European club competitions will all be from one country. How cool is that?

It seems like only last year that people were bewailing English clubs’ inability to compete at the highest level. I guess that’s sport.

Yes it is a remarkable achievement and all the more so since at the beginning of the week the defult position from the first legs would have been no English clubs in the champions league final.

Big issue is being able to actually watch the final. Although I think this is one of the 'protected' sporting events which needs to be free to view, if last year is anything to go by this will only be a free streaming option, which wont work for many people.

[SusanDoris]

I'm not a football fan but I quite often have Five Live on in the evenings and I must say it has been slightly interesting to hear how the winners have overcome their opponents' scores!!

[ProfessorDavey]

I'm not a football fan but I quite often have Five Live on in the evenings and I must say it has been slightly interesting to hear how the winners have overcome their opponents' scores!!

I listened to both Champions League matches on the radio - I think it is actually more stressful than watching on the tv as often you genuinely couldn't work out for a second what had happened, just that it was dramatic. Had I been watching I'd have seen the net bulge!!

[ad_orientem]

Great for English football. As long as Spurs don't win, everything's fine. I'd never hear the end of it otherwise, with my half-brother and best mate back in England both Spurs fans. Hope Arsenal beat those Chelsea rentboys as well.

[ad_orientem]

This is proper Brexit. Half inch all the silverware then leave.

[jeremyp]

Big issue is being able to actually watch the final. Although I think this is one of the 'protected' sporting events which needs to be free to view, if last year is anything to go by this will only be a free streaming option, which wont work for many people.

I don't think either competition is free to air protected.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jun/09/crown-jewels-sporting-events

[ProfessorDavey]

I don't think either competition is free to air protected.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/jun/09/crown-jewels-sporting-events

Yes I think you are right - my mistake.

Looking down the list it seems rather unbalanced and out of date. Is the Derby really a pinnacle of sport in the UK, or the Rugby League challenge cup final? And no protected live cricket at all (only highlights), albeit this is arguably our 'national' summer sport.

I gather the Champions league final will be free to air, but still unsure how to access - think you can do it via youtube but I'd worry about the reliability of such a platform with everyone watching live.